Mr. Richmond votes no. Mr. Jeffries votes no. Mr. Cicilliny votes no. Thank you for joining us tonight. This is Roll Call Vote under way right now. Were watching this historic impeachment proceeding under way in congress. If youve been watching today and into tonight you know that in technical terms this is what tay call a markup which means the Judiciary Committee is there to change or fine tune the articles of impeachment against President Trump before a final vote. In reality what todays proceedings have been is an opportunity for democrats to make the case for impeaching President Trump, and its been an opportunity for republicans to criticize democrats for that and to try to derail the proceedings however they can. This committee started work at 9 00 this morning. We expect that a final vote on the Impeachment Articles could come as soon as this hour, but we really dont know just when itll happen. Tonight republicans are
continuing to offer up what are basically sort of stunt amen
Power to determine its own rules. When president nixon during the time he was going to be impeached ruling how that proceeding would go forward. When the Clinton Impeachment was brought forward, there was a unanimous consent request to govern how we conducted ourselves and im not sure how likely it would be that we would get a unanimous consent request. Id like to ask unanimous consent without objection to enter into the record a letter that was sent to the chairman of the Judiciary Committee signed by 70 republican members including the republican leader every parliamentary tool available to us and committee on the house floor, to highlight your inaction translated means to try to delay them to make this process as impossible as it can be made. Im not sure in light of this letter that we could get a unanimous consent request and these seedings and break for a cup of coffee, never mind, i just want to stay for the record because i think its important that i think the house has engaged
Republican and then what happens . Yeah, and then at that point, any member can simply say they move to offer an amendment. And when they offer an amendment, they have to actually provide the next of that language to the clerk. The amendment could be read aloud before all of the members of The Committee. And then each of the members can simply say they want a chance to talk and to speak about that particular amendment. And as you said, there are 41 members of this committee. 40 are expected to attend one is not, ted lieu because of health issues. Hes not expected to be here this week. But each of those members could speak. That could take time for each individual amendment. When that amendment is voted down which we expect because republicans are expects to offer amendments, democrats are happy with these articles and dont plan to do that. Thats why this is unpredictable how this contentious day will play out, wolf. 40 members now. Ted lieu had some medical issues. We wish him a speedy
Charges brought by the house. I believe these documents are also of great importance to making sure senators have the information necessary to make a fully informed decision, this terribly weighty decision. The house has built a very strong case against the president. Maybe thats why leader mcconnell doesnt seem to want witnesses, at least not agree to them now. Maybe thats why the president is afraid, because the house case is so strong, that they dont want witnesses that might corroborate it. The evidence the house put together includes public testimony given under oath by numerous senior officials appointed by President Trump. These are trump 57. Teas were calling, not some partisan democratic. Some republican senators have said that, while the charges are serious, they havent seen enough evidence to make a decision. Thats one of the reasons i propose subpoenas for these witnesses for these documents, all directly relevant, from officials who have yesterday to testify during any sta
Sought to protect us. But now along comes a president who actually says he is constitutionally empowered to do whatever he wants. That he can neither be prosecuted or even investigated for any crime. And that he can totally ignore any impeachment proceeding of which he disapproves. These are the claims of a wanna be tyrant who has extowed the virtues of tyrants from manila to moscow. To advance tyranny, he adopts an openborder policy. Inviting foreigners to come into our country and intrude in our elections. Foreign nations have their own agendas. Especially, adversaries like rush s russia and china. American citizens should be the only ones determining the fate of america. If the president continues demanding more foreign interference, we will never have trulyfree elections. And we will not be free. We act today, recognizing the solemn responsibility to safeguard our security and constitution. We pledge allegiance to the flag. And the republic for which it stands. Not to one man who w